While I believe there is certainly a phenomenon of timelessness in art, the people writing today can comment on today in an exclusive manner.

I don't think the role of the critic has changed very much. In the most positive sense, the music critic is one who helps the public navigate what's out there, especially in bringing attention to things they otherwise wouldn't hear about, or to provide a new window into something familiar.

I think the tendency to paint composers or styles of music with too broad a brush - for example, identifying composers as writers of "simple" or "complex" music - has become increasingly problematic and is almost never productive.

The American new music scene is remarkably vibrant.

A healthy dialogue is always good.

Mazur was a remarkable artist. During our time in Rome we became friends. I would often perform my works for him at the piano.

A critic can serve as guide. I think there's an understanding amongst the public that critics have their own preferences and dislikes.